People are seeking sperm donors online, but are the risks worth it?

Meeting your sperm donor offers a more personal experience, but the medical and legal complications might outweigh the benefits

Using a private donor offers more control – but can mean more pitfalls

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By Clare Wilson

PRIVATE sperm donation, taking place outside a licensed fertility clinic, is on the rise. The chief appeal of the DIY approach is that it gives both recipients and donors complete control – but there is a dark side to this trend.

Some donors lie about their intentions and the legal paternity of the resulting children can be unclear. Some men are having dozens of children this way, leading to a risk of incest in future. So should we be concerned?